METHOD OF PREPARING ALKYLENE GLYCOLS Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: chemical industry. SUBSTANCE: present invention describes preparation of ethylene glycols by hydration of alkylene oxides in the presence of catalytic system based on nitrogen containing ion exchange polymeric materials which comprise, as electropositive centers, nitrogen atoms coordinated with anions. One or more electropositive centers is connected with two or more atoms different from carbon of methyl group. Atoms different from carbon atom of methyl group in catalytic system include carbon atoms of alkyl, benzyl, oxyalkyl, phenyl and alkylphenyl groups, carbon atoms of heterocyclic compounds and also hydrogen and nitrogen atoms. Hydratation of alkylene oxides is carried out at 20-200 C and 0.6-5.0 MPa. Temperature and pressure ranges are preferably from 100-140 C and 1.0-2.0, respectively. Said method makes it possible to increase specific efficiency of the process. Catalytic systems used in the method have improved heat resistance and are operable for prolonged periods at temperatures of higher than 130 C without loss in activity and selectivity. EFFECT: more efficient preparation method. 20 cl, 2 dwg, 6 ex, 1 tbl